One Hundred fifty years ago the Croswell Methodist Church began as a Sunday school in the home of Mr. And Mrs. John Hart. They were early settlers along Black River. Mr. Hart was the first superintendent and was part of the Lexington Methodist charge. The group grew and moved to a large dining room for the workers of a lumber mill. Soon they outgrew this meeting place. Since a school had been built across the street, it served as a church on Sunday. Several denominations worshiped there together. The Methodist decided to leave that group and build a church of their own just around the corner. It was believed to be the first organized church in Croswell (called Davisville until 1979). This church was finished in 1880 under the direction of Rev. J.B. Oliver. Previous to that a Methodist circuit rider named Rev. Clark King from Kentucky conducted services when he was in the area.

One year after the building was finished the railroad came to Croswell. All the businesses and people moved across the river to be near the railroad. Now the officers thought they made a mistake building where they did, so after only ten years, plans for a bigger church across the river were made. They sold the original church.

This second church was put up in a hurry and was of poor construction. It wasn’t long until it was necessary to add to it. They had 250 members. People felt unsafe in it, so after 13 years plans were made for a bigger, well built, safer building with modern facilities just a block away on the east bank of the river, on main street. This was a huge undertaking for a congregation who had just built two churches, wages were very low and many people were poor. After a few delays, changes of plans and many fund raising events, the congregation was able to move into the basement, where services were held until the building was completed (1917). The total cost was $25, 000 including all the furniture. With a lot of prayer, sacrificing and determination the building still stands 90 years later in excellent condition. A new addition, elevator, furnaces, parking lot and many other changes have occurred over the years.

The new church was one of the great wonders to many for miles around and since it was the largest many for weddings, funerals and other meetings used it. It is often referred to as a lighthouse for Christ throughout the years.